The Facts on Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s causing a rise in overdose deaths across the country, including right here in South Dakota.

Originally developed for severe pain management, illicit fentanyl is now being mixed with other substances, often without the user’s knowledge. Its potency — up to 100 times stronger than morphine — makes even a tiny amount extremely dangerous. It’s highly addictive, incredibly strong and fast-acting when misused. What makes it even more fatal is that you can’t see, taste or smell it, making it impossible to detect without proper testing.

It isn’t always clear which pills are legitimate and which ones aren’t. Fentanyl is often pressed into fake pills that look like real prescription drugs. Unfortunately, these counterfeit pills are becoming more common in South Dakota and could be laced with a deadly amount of fentanyl.

Beyond pills, fentanyl is also being mixed with other substances like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, making them even more dangerous. It can be found in other forms, too, including powders, nasal sprays and even eye drops.